I picked up some wet/dry sandpaper 320 grit and above, selected a patch right by the chip, and went to work. It's still too faint to photograph, and I don't want to etch the blade twice, but it IS wootz damascus!
Can't see it clearly enough to determine if there's anything special to the pattern, but I'm more determined than ever to restore it to as close to its original glory as possible. I love projects!